Definition of outline
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : boundary
the jagged outline of the mountains
b
: shape
the sharpening outline of her face— Willa Cather
2a
: a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading
drew a dog in outline
b
: a sketch in outline
prepared several outlines of the suggested mural
3a
: a condensed treatment of a particular subject
an outline of world history
b
: a summary of a written work : synopsis
Students were required to give an outline for each assigned paper.
4
: a preliminary account of a project : plan
gave the class an outline of the points he intended to cover
5
: a fishing line set out overnight
outline
verb
outlined; outlining; outlines
Definition of outline (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to draw the outline of
2
: to indicate the principal features or different parts of
outlined their responsibilities
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for outline
The first known use of outline was in 1662
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